Endeavour commander sends first email from space

TUCSON, AZ (KOLD) - It didn't take long for NASA shuttle commander Mark Kelly to blast off his first e-mail after launching into space Monday morning.

Gabrielle Giffords' Tucson office has confirmed Kelly sent an e-mail to friends and family members from shuttle Endeavour last night.

There are a couple published reports that say in the message Kelly calls the launch "one incredible ride".

The message also reportedly says that it will likely be Kelly's last time in space so he's going to enjoy every minute of it.

It the e-mail Kelly apparently reflected on the January 8th shootings in Tucson.

He says while he looked down at earth for the first time in nearly three years, he couldn't help but reflect on how things have changed for so many people.

He says the shootings in Tucson altered the lives of his wife and other Tucson families, but there is hope.

He goes on to mention how thrilled he was that Gabby was able to watch the launch and that she's tremendously optimistic.

He says she will prevail in her battle to overcome her injuries from the shootings.